Can anyone recommend a resource to help look over/evaluate an employment contract for an entry-level customer service role in the hospitality industry?

Rene Letendre

October 8,2021 at 1:19PM UTC

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Can anyone recommend a resource to help look over/evaluate an employment contract for an entry-level customer service role in the hospitality industry?

The contract has a start date, but no end date; it specifies a daily rate to be paid "once hours are submitted", but no hourly limit (so, the daily rate of pay is the same no matter how many hours they schedule you to work). There are some clauses that last "in perpetuity" for things like never writing or commenting negatively about the company. It seems kind of overreaching, to me.

I'd appreciate any advice or help based on your experience or knowledge of something similar.

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Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.October 8,2021 at 5:38PM UTC
Hey there, I specialize in employment/labor law issues. Feel free to shoot me a private message
Amy GeffenOctober 12,2021 at 5:19PM UTC
You need an employment attorney to read the contract. I can recommend a few. geffena108@gmail.com
Rene LetendreOctober 12,2021 at 5:27PM UTC
Thank you, Amy. She had the contract revised, and has signed it now. I will reach out if she needs additional support from your references.
Amy GeffenOctober 13,2021 at 9:34PM UTC
Glad to hear it.
AprilOctober 12,2021 at 7:30PM UTC
I am curios why a contract is needed for a customer service role? Have we misunderstood the term” contract”. If an agency is providing the contract, it may be standard. It is not uncommon in this age of social media, to ask people to refrain from speaking negatively about an employer. Have I misunderstood your question?
Rene LetendreOctober 13,2021 at 4:38PM UTC
I don't think you've misunderstood the question, but rather I think you've arrived at the central issue: why is there an Independent Contractor contract for a customer service role. The answer is clear: they are seeking to misclassify her employment status so they do not have to treat her like an employee. It a very poor business decision on their part, but, that is in fact what is happening. She has 2 other offers on the table, and I'm sure this one won't turn into a long-time gig for her.